Sponsored by Strayer University
If you left your traditional 9-to-5 behind to stay-at-home with your kids, it can be challenging to figure out what’s next for your career path. With new technology and innovations, you may not have the skills and the latest cutting-edge knowledge about your industry anymore. Maybe your interests and passions have changed altogether, and you no longer want to work in the field that you got your college degree in. Or perhaps, you want to try your hand at entrepreneurship, but you’d like a roadmap on the best way to get there.
You may feel like going back to school is out of the question, but it’s never too late to pursue your passion and have the career that you’ve always dreamed about.
Here Are Some Things to Consider When Deciding if You Should Go Back to School
What’s Your Motivation?
As an individual who has two college degrees, and tons of online and in-person training under her belt, I’m a huge proponent of investing in yourself both professionally and personally. But going back to school is a big decision especially when you have a family to take care of, and there’s less free time, more responsibilities, and a limited budget to work with.
If the thought of going back to school has crossed your mind, it is doable, and it’s never too late. But before you jump in — you need to think about your motivation for going back to school.
- Do you want to change careers?
- Did you dislike your former profession?
- Would you like to earn more money?
- Do you need additional education and training?
Angela Stitcher, an alum of Strayer University’s Jack Welch Management Institute, decided to go back and get her MBA because she needed to up-level her skills saying,
“When the timing finally hit me at Medtronic that I was ready to move up in the company, I decided I needed my MBA. Why? Over the years, I continually self-taught myself on leadership and management skills. What I really needed was to round out my learnings at a higher level around a global organization. I needed to reach beyond my regional responsibilities, and learn how to successfully run a company that operates not only in the United States but also in emerging markets.”
Going back to school is both an investment of your time and money, but it can pay off big time in the long run. Once you determine what your motivation is, here are some other things to take into consideration.
Choosing a Program.
Back when I was in school, I took a couple of distance learning courses where you didn’t have to attend class, but, you still had to go to the library to watch videos, and you’d have to go to the campus testing center to take your exams. Today, technology has enabled degrees, coursework, and exams to be done online.
However, before choosing a school and program make sure that it fits your schedule and learning needs. Some schools offer 100 percent online coursework, others offer hybrid programs that combine online and in-person learning, and others have night and weekend programs for parents and individuals that are already employed full-time.
For example, Strayer University has programs to fit the needs of today’s woman, no matter where you are on your career journey. Whether you’re thinking about going back to get your master’s degree, or you feel like finishing up your undergrad coursework, Strayer offers online learning at your own pace, Digital Entrepreneurship MBAs, as well as some campus learning during nights and weekends.
How to Pay For It.
One of the most significant concerns for those who are considering going back to school is how to pay for it. Luckily, many schools are focused on taking the stress out of the equation, by offering innovative programs so students can focus on acquiring the additional education that they need.
For instance, Strayer University assigns a Personal Success Coach to each student so you can easily navigate the world of scholarships, grants, loans, corporate tuition benefits, tuition assistance programs, as well as Federal, State, and Military Programs.
Strayer University also has a unique program called the Graduation Fund, which allows students to earn one course at no-cost for every three classes they complete. The Graduation Fund has the potential to reduce the total cost of a student’s bachelor’s degree by 25 percent.
Finding Time.
If you’re anything like me, your schedule is already filled to the brim; how will you ever find the time for class, studying, and exams?
When you make the decision to return to school, it becomes a family affair. Talk to your significant other and your children and make sure that they’re on board and that they know the benefits a degree or second degree will make on your career.
Once everyone is on the same page, talk to them about taking over specific tasks and helping around the house. The rule in our family is, we’re a team, and we all help out when needed.
Another factor to consider is how many courses will you have to take to obtain the advanced degree you’re after? Strayer University’s MBA program has reduced the number of required courses from 12 to 10, so students can earn their degrees faster.
Conclusion.
The value of getting a degree or an advanced degree is priceless. From the new skills and knowledge, you acquire to the career boost and prestige. If you’re considering going back to school, check out Strayer University for innovative, accessible, and affordable educational opportunities.
Would you like to go back to school? If you haven’t made the leap, what’s stopping you? What questions do you have about Strayer University or its programs? Drop us a note; we’d love to hear from you.
This post was sponsored by Strayer University and written by Holly Reisem Hanna. Please be aware we only promote advertising from companies that we feel we can legitimately recommend to our readers. Please see our disclosure policy for further information.
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